The Pennsylvania Association for Justice (PAJ) will present an award for Distinguished Service to trial attorney Richard M. Golomb at its Presidents’ Club Reception Oct. 22 in Philadelphia. The Reception, which will be from 6-7:30 p.m. at R2L Restaurant, is one of several events scheduled during our fall member meetings (Oct. 22 & 23) in Center City, Philadelphia.
Golomb, a managing shareholder and founding partner of Golomb & Honik, P.C., of Philadelphia, is a past-president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association (PTLA) and has served on PAJ’s Board of Governors. He has also held numerous leadership positions for the American Association for Justice and has received several prestigious honors for his work with our national organization including the “Citation of Excellence” for his pro bono service representing families victimized by the events of September 11, 2001 as well as “The Distinguished Service Award” on two separate occasions.
PAJ President Tim Conboy said the award is given in recognition of Richard’s accomplishments in advancing legislation in Harrisburg on behalf of Pennsylvania motorists, and his efforts nationally to preserve the rights of injured patients. “I am delighted to present this award to our colleague and friend, Richard Golomb, who has worked tirelessly for plaintiffs’ rights,” Conboy said. “In a time when trial lawyers are doing all we can just to prevent further erosion of the civil justice system, Richard has utilized his political acumen, legal knowledge and influence to initiate meaningful reform of Pennsylvania automobile insurance law. In addition, when President Obama’s Health Care legislation was evolving, Richard was instrumental in insuring that the final bill did not compromise the rights of injured victims.”
Current PTLA President Ronald Kovler said he credits Richard with planting the seeds for auto insurance reform when he was PTLA’s President in 1999-2000. “Richard was the pioneer in trying to change full tort to plain English on auto insurance policies,” Kovler said. “It was Richard’s idea to create a menu of coverages to facilitate consumer choice.”
“Although it has not become law yet, in my view it has begun an important process to change what we believe is unfair.” Kovler said. “Richard Golomb has raised the consciousness levels of our organizations and encouraged leadership to take a proactive role.”
Past PAJ President Jim Ronca said Richard has been instrumental in fundraising and in championing the causes trial lawyers stand for both in the state capital and in Washington. “He has cultivated irreplaceable relationships with congressional leaders, and strengthened AAJ’s financial resources.” said Ronca. “We have all experienced Richard’s tireless dedication during dinner engagements or meetings where he was interrupted by Senate and House leaders requesting his personal input.”
PAJ’s Legislative Counsel Mark Phenicie called Golomb “a leader on behalf of injured victims in many different fields and practices,” adding that “he was an outstanding president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers.”
Phenicie said Richard’s most notable contribution to trial lawyers remains the information he brings to other lawyers about the political and legal landscape from Washington. “His keen insight has been invaluable in helping other attorneys make decisions on when and who to support.”
